The Google Pixel.
Hollis Johnson/Business Insider
In a sign that it may consider building custom chips for its growing lineup of hardware devices, Google has poached an employee from Apple's chip-making division.

The move hints that Google recognizes the benefits of Apple's approach to building mobile devices. Unlike most phone makers, which rely on processors designed by Qualcomm and other chipmakers, Apple designs its own processors. Those chips typically run run faster and better than those of rivals, in part because Apple is able to customize them for its phones and its own operating system, iOS.

Google has said its hardware division is a potential area for growth as it seeks to diversify its business beyond digital advertising. Last year, the company released the Google Pixel, the first phone it ever designed by itself. It also released the Google Home connected speaker, Daydream View VR headset, and updated versions of the Chromecast.

If Google decides to invest in chip-making, it could gain more control over the fragmented Android hardware and software ecosystems.